Ride Reports
Saturday 4th May 2019
Cow Ark Rollercoaster - Luke Bosman
Cool corrugations
A fortnight previously Lancashire had sweltered for the Easter weekend. The county awoke on Saturday to clear skies but markedly cooler temperatures. Fourteen Bs assembled on the Cobbles and soon set off towards Dimples Lane, making a swift stop when the Chair discovered that his car’s lights were still turned on.
A flat battery averted, the team set off again towards the Kenlis, where Ian sought news of Sarah Jane’s whereabouts. It turned out that she was thirty seconds behind, having felt the urgent need to look for misplaced goods.
The now fifteen-strong team set off towards Claughton, whence some riders were introduced to the delights of Walmsley Bridge Lane. The peloton pushed on towards Rock Brow, almost losing a breakaway group whose navigational confidence surpassed their knowledge of the route, and said farewell to Tamzin who at this point was confident that the destination was a little further than her fitness would allow.
Shortly after turning towards Whitewell, my Garmin announced that I had once (eleven years ago, as it happens) completed the upcoming climb in 21m 3s. I swiftly dismissed such silliness. There was the little matter of the Cow Ark climb to deal with. As has become increasingly my experience, I saw a dozen riders ascending swiftly in the distance, each getting a little smaller with every stroke of my pedals. Gamely, Dave Corless accompanied me to the summit, where he announced that, not only had he once completed the entire five-kilometre ascent in the big ring, but also was soon to celebrate a birthday. We hid our surprise well.
The views at the summit were glorious. Longridge Fell was resplendent in the sunshine and the conifers of Crimpton Wood concealed Blackpool perfectly.
A glorious swift and scenic descent to Easington preceded a short sharp climb from which we emerged above and then dropped into Slaidburn. where the conditions were significantly cooler than on our last visit and we sought refuge on the first floor with hot slices of pig wrapped in baked goods.
There was discussion of an alternative route out of Slaidburn, along Wood House Lane. It was noted that this might be best left for another day, so once again we tackled the Café Legs Climb, which had the delightful side effect of sweeping away the chill.
We sped through Newton and on to Dunsop Bridge, putting the world to rights, resolving transport policy for the next twenty years and also being reminded that some motorists still fail to understand Rules 66 and 163 of the Highway Code.
It is customary to return from Dunsop Bridge via Whitewell. Consequently, at Browsholme Bridge we turned towards the Boar Park for more scenic climbing, sped on down to the River Hodder and then turned towards Leagram Hall and Chipping. Beyond Chipping the pace increased, leading to some very tired legs by the time we regrouped in Inglewhite. We appreciated the fancy new black material that had been used to cover Bourne Brow— investigations suggested this is a material known as ‘asphalt’. The council should use it more widely.
Of the fifteen riders who had been with the Bs at the Kenlis, I counted four back in Garstang. I trust members will consider this an adequate level of attrition.
https://www.strava.com/activities/2341219369
A fortnight previously Lancashire had sweltered for the Easter weekend. The county awoke on Saturday to clear skies but markedly cooler temperatures. Fourteen Bs assembled on the Cobbles and soon set off towards Dimples Lane, making a swift stop when the Chair discovered that his car’s lights were still turned on.
A flat battery averted, the team set off again towards the Kenlis, where Ian sought news of Sarah Jane’s whereabouts. It turned out that she was thirty seconds behind, having felt the urgent need to look for misplaced goods.
The now fifteen-strong team set off towards Claughton, whence some riders were introduced to the delights of Walmsley Bridge Lane. The peloton pushed on towards Rock Brow, almost losing a breakaway group whose navigational confidence surpassed their knowledge of the route, and said farewell to Tamzin who at this point was confident that the destination was a little further than her fitness would allow.
Shortly after turning towards Whitewell, my Garmin announced that I had once (eleven years ago, as it happens) completed the upcoming climb in 21m 3s. I swiftly dismissed such silliness. There was the little matter of the Cow Ark climb to deal with. As has become increasingly my experience, I saw a dozen riders ascending swiftly in the distance, each getting a little smaller with every stroke of my pedals. Gamely, Dave Corless accompanied me to the summit, where he announced that, not only had he once completed the entire five-kilometre ascent in the big ring, but also was soon to celebrate a birthday. We hid our surprise well.
The views at the summit were glorious. Longridge Fell was resplendent in the sunshine and the conifers of Crimpton Wood concealed Blackpool perfectly.
A glorious swift and scenic descent to Easington preceded a short sharp climb from which we emerged above and then dropped into Slaidburn. where the conditions were significantly cooler than on our last visit and we sought refuge on the first floor with hot slices of pig wrapped in baked goods.
There was discussion of an alternative route out of Slaidburn, along Wood House Lane. It was noted that this might be best left for another day, so once again we tackled the Café Legs Climb, which had the delightful side effect of sweeping away the chill.
We sped through Newton and on to Dunsop Bridge, putting the world to rights, resolving transport policy for the next twenty years and also being reminded that some motorists still fail to understand Rules 66 and 163 of the Highway Code.
It is customary to return from Dunsop Bridge via Whitewell. Consequently, at Browsholme Bridge we turned towards the Boar Park for more scenic climbing, sped on down to the River Hodder and then turned towards Leagram Hall and Chipping. Beyond Chipping the pace increased, leading to some very tired legs by the time we regrouped in Inglewhite. We appreciated the fancy new black material that had been used to cover Bourne Brow— investigations suggested this is a material known as ‘asphalt’. The council should use it more widely.
Of the fifteen riders who had been with the Bs at the Kenlis, I counted four back in Garstang. I trust members will consider this an adequate level of attrition.
https://www.strava.com/activities/2341219369
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